Instructions

Step 2: Stir it up Stir the mixture with a glass rod until you get a smooth, thin consistency. Then transfer the mixture to a smaller glass container so it's easier to handle.

Step 3: Test the ferrofluid Test the fluid by placing the magnet against the outside of the container and moving it over and around the fluid. The liquid will magnetize and follow the magnet around the container.

TIP: If the magnetic bond is weak, you need a stronger magnet.

Step 4: Experiment Try different experiments. Pour the magnetic fluid onto a table and hold the magnet under the table to see what happens. Put the magnet directly into a puddle of the magnetic fluid and watch the fluid occupy the entire magnetic field.

Step 5: Try your own experiments Invent your own experiments, but make sure you have plenty of napkins and cleaning supplies -- magnetic fluid can be messy.

FACT: The strongest permanent magnets contain neodymium, a rare earth metal with an atomic number of 60 and symbol Nd.